With 71kms ahead of them, some 328 runners set out to run from Dolgellau to Ceredigion this morning, hoping to “break the back of the Dragon”. For some, the mental and physical strain became quickly obvious as they broke down in tears and groaned agonisingly.

The volunteers – 120 this year – are a crucial part of the organisation of the 2019 Berghaus Dragon Back Race. There are a wide range of jobs including erecting the campsite each day, manning checkpoints, transportation, safety monitoring, course checking, medical assistance, catering and general administration. Many of the runners have spoken about how much they value the “slick”, “effective”, "friendly" and "smiley" team working behind the scenes of the event.

Both the male and female lead runners pulled ahead in day two of the 2019 Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race. While Galen Reynolds, of Canada, finished 42 minutes ahead of the second place runner, British runner Sabrina Verjee also extended her lead to 29 minutes.

The upbeat atmosphere of the 2019 Berghaus Dragon Back’s Race continued today with sunshine and plenty of smiles out on the 58km course. Catching up with the runners on the first summit Cnicht (689m) and then again at the Roman Steps, just after the Support Point and some two-thirds of the way through the race, it appeared that most participants were enjoying a generally more runnable course compared to day one.

More than 400 runners and a strong crowd of supporters, flanked by many of the volunteer team, gathered in the stunning ruins of Conwy Castle, north Wales, early this morning for the start of the 2019 outing of the Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race.

Around the halfway point on day one of the Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race, the runners faced a stiff climb to the 917m summit of Tryfan. The ascent on a rocky path followed a welcome drop bag stop at a manned Support Point.

As the first runners pushed upwards, the sun appeared and chased away the morning’s low clouds.

Perhaps it was the warm rays, or the recent refuelling, but despite the effort of the ascent many participants were smiling and cheerful.

A 120-strong team of race staff and volunteers arrived in Conwy, north Wales, this weekend as final preparations were put into place for the 2019 Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race.

As the momentum towards tomorrow’s start-line grew, race director Shane Ohly said: "I am, of course, as anxious as the competitors at this stage. I want the race to go well and for everyone to enjoy the journey. Now I am putting my trust in the event team. They are a great crew and they are very experienced so it is now over to them."

More than 400 participants, arriving from 32 different countries, formed a long queue at the seaside town of Conwy, north Wales, today as they registered for the world's toughest five-day mountain running race. Each carrying a large bag of kit, they checked in and picked up race numbers, maps, safety briefings and t-shirts. Marshals ensured that their additional race rucksacks contained all the mandatory kit.

Join us in watching the 2019 (5th) edition of the legendary Berghaus Dragon's Back Race® unfold. As of Saturday 18th May, the event team already join us for briefings before participants join us for registration and their pre-race briefing on Sunday 19th May. We'll have some stories to share with you during this time and do keep an eye out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The race begins Monday morning 07:00.